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Tommy_Carcetti

(43,219 posts) Mon Apr 13, 2015, 10:04 AM Apr 2015

There are alligators living naturally in northern North Carolina. And some claim southern Virgnia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchants_Millpond_State_Park

http://wvtf.org/post/alligators-virginia

I didn't know that until recently, and yet I find that extremely cool. Almost as cool as the idea of mountain lions (e.g. panthers) living in the Florida Everglades.

There's something really cool to me about the fringe habitats of large carnivorous creatures.

11 replies

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There are alligators living naturally in northern North Carolina. And some claim southern Virgnia. (Original Post) Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2015 OP

Just please don't tell me they are in upstate SC! nt raccoon Apr 2015 #1

Looks like Low Country only. Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2015 #2

Yes, alligators and manatees too WilmywoodNCparalegal Apr 2015 #3

Yes, there is an Alligator River in NC for a reason. alarimer Apr 2015 #4

Apparently, centuries ago they did live in the Great Dismal Swamp in Southeast Virginia. Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2015 #11

Oh yeah... they are all over the place in Wilmington, and spotted elsewhere as well Rhythm Apr 2015 #5

We have them in San Antonio LeftInTX Apr 2015 #6

Yeah, from the looks of the map, East Texas is as far west as they get. nt Tommy_Carcetti Apr 2015 #7

Santa is bringing me a crossbow for Christmas, so I'll be ready... Blue_Tires Apr 2015 #8

I blame Betty White pinboy3niner Apr 2015 #9

None in NYC though (contrary to popular belief) LiberalElite Apr 2015 #10

raccoon

(31,128 posts)

1. Just please don't tell me they are in upstate SC! nt

Reply to Tommy_Carcetti (Original post)

Mon Apr 13, 2015, 10:23 AM

Apr 2015

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,219 posts)

2. Looks like Low Country only.

Reply to raccoon (Reply #1)

Mon Apr 13, 2015, 10:25 AM

Apr 2015

They are magnificent creatures, however.

WilmywoodNCparalegal

(2,654 posts)

3. Yes, alligators and manatees too

Reply to Tommy_Carcetti (Original post)

Mon Apr 13, 2015, 12:13 PM

Apr 2015

when I lived near the beaches in southern NC, we had two alligators in our backyard. We also saw manatees when boating on the intracoastal waterway.

alarimer

(16,245 posts)

4. Yes, there is an Alligator River in NC for a reason.

Reply to Tommy_Carcetti (Original post)

Mon Apr 13, 2015, 12:47 PM

Apr 2015

Last year, someone ran over on on the highway going towards Manteo.

I would think Virginia might be the northern extent of the range, but with global warming, who knows?

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,219 posts)

11. Apparently, centuries ago they did live in the Great Dismal Swamp in Southeast Virginia.

Reply to alarimer (Reply #4)

Tue Apr 14, 2015, 10:13 AM

Apr 2015

And were forced out by man-made draining.

But given that the Great Dismal Swamp covers the VA-NC border and the Virginia portion is only about 10 miles from the northernmost reported colony, I wouldn't be surprised if they make their way into Virginia.

Which I would welcome. It wouldn't really be an exotic animal after all, but rather a homecoming of sorts.

Rhythm

(5,435 posts)

5. Oh yeah... they are all over the place in Wilmington, and spotted elsewhere as well

Reply to Tommy_Carcetti (Original post)

Mon Apr 13, 2015, 01:18 PM

Apr 2015

When i lived in Stanly Co. NC (45mins ENE of Charlotte), i rememeber seeing on the news that the DNR and animal-control has been called out to remove a 10' gator from a highway 2 miles from my home... it had been a hot, dry day and the thing had become listless while sunning on the road.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Go to the USS NorthCarolina, and look down in the water surrounding it...
There's always a few there.